It is in numberless instances happier to have a false opinion which we believe true, than a true one of which we doubt.

It is so much in the nature of men to overreach and deceive one another, that their very sports and plays are founded on that principle.

The criterion of true beauty is that it increases on examination; if false, that it lessens.

O wearisome condition of humanity! Born under one law, to another bound; Vainly begot and yet forbidden vanity; Created sick, commanded to be sound.

Though love and hatred are as opposites as fire and water, yet do they sometimes subsist in the breast together towards the same person; nay by their very opposition and desire to destroy each other, are they strengthened and increased.

If they who understand the utmost refinement of any art will enjoy the perfection of it in a manner superior to other men, will they not amply pay for that advantage in feeling more than other men the imperfection of it, which in the natural course of things must so much oftener fall in their way?

Love will sacrifice more to others than friendship, but then it exacts more from them.